The Zim Family Cocker Spaniel Forum

update on canine influenza

update on canine influenza

Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2017 8:58 am

by Darra

The following information is the synopsis of a 2 hour webinar on vetgirl.com . This website is used by vet techs and vets for continuing education credits:Info about the virus itself: *It is a very small virus so is easily spread via AC exchanges in indoor facilities. *People can carry and transmit the virus by petting a dog that is infected. * This is a subtype of avian flu. *The strain now is H3N8 and H3N2 primarily affecting dogs. *This is a "Sloppy" virus in that the viral RNA ( how it replicates) lacks a proofreading mechanism so there is a high error rate leading to new viruses almost every infection. * There are over 10 subtypes of this virus that have shown up so far. * 438 total lab certified cases 2005 to present (May 2017), 423 in dogs and 15 in cats.... note that there is a serious lack of surveillance so this number could realistically be much, much higher. * Dogs are infectious BEFORE they show clinical signs. * 80% of dogs that are exposed will get sick. * 5 ft. is sufficient as direct contact. * 20 feet is direct airborne contact. * Anywhere there is an AC unit that does not have filters down to viral size is spreading the virus as if direct contact. *symptoms may present as diarrhea and vomiting as well as classic respiratory infection. * How to prevent the spread: * 21 days of isolation, no shows, dog parks, boarding, daycare, contact at all would stop it as there would be no new hosts for the virus. * bleach kills but must remain on the infected surface 2-5 minutes. * alcohol hand sanitizer kills the virus. ISO Alcohol kills the virus. * Sharing of water bowls, grooming items, toys , etc. is a good way to spread the virus.